lahm|legen
Translation
to paralyze, to cripple, to bring to a standstill
Examples
Der Streik legt den gesamten Verkehr lahm.
The strike is paralyzing all traffic.
Ein Virus kann den Computer lahmlegen.
A virus can paralyze the computer.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) lahmlegen to paralyze (sth.) A virus can the computer lahmlegen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: paralysieren (to paralyze), blockieren (to block), stilllegen (to shut down)
Etymology
A compound of 'lahm' (lame) and 'legen' (to lay, to put). Literally, 'to lay lame'.
Memory Tips
Imagine literally 'laying' something down so that it becomes 'lame' and cannot move. It's a very visual verb.